ADVERTISEMENT

Video: 2001-02 alumni return; Jason Arnold & Kelly Slater throw out first pitch 🏄🏼‍♂️⚾

Login to view embedded media

Members of UCF's 2001 baseball team, a conference champion and No. 1 seed in the NCAA Regionals, were honored prior to the Friday night home game vs. UNCG. One of the top pitchers on that team, Jason Arnold, threw out the first pitch alongside surfing legend Kelly Slater.

Players who returned: Pete Gavillan, Mike Fox, Matt Fox, Wayne Summers, Ty Hanson, Greg Good, Nick Whidden, Burt Clark, Matt Bowser, Jason Graham, Jeremy Frost and Jason Arnold.

Sons of UCF LIVE Show #60: Football Spring Camp/Hoops Wrap with BJ Taylor/Breaking UCF Baseball News with Stephen Branca

Jam packed Sons of UCF LIVE Show #60: Off the top, we're talking Quarterbacks and UCF Football Spring Camp. Then Sons LIVE standout and MBB legend BJ Taylor talks Women's Hoops in the NCAA Tournament and we wrap up the Men's Basketball season. Finally, former Knight Stephen Branca breaks some pitching news before UCF's weekend series.

Click here to watch and thanks!

M. Basketball player development program needs some serious improvement...

I've heard of 'sophomore slumps', but what in the world has happened to Isaiah Adams and Jamille Reynolds this year?

Adams, who is a former Florida Mr. Basketball, showed a lot of promise his freshmen season. He scored in double-figures ten times in 2020-21, including 22 points at FSU and 26 at Tulane. Not only has he failed to improve this season, but he's borderline unplayable. FG% has dropped from 47% to 36%, 3PT% has dropped from 34% to 28%, offensive rating has dropped from 97 to 79(!), true shooting percentage from 53% to 44%, and offensive box plus/minus from 1.4 to -4.0 (can't say I've ever seen this number that low). His defense by itself is a net positive, but I don't think it's enough to justify keeping him on the floor for very long. He's a mess, I really hope he figures it out in the off-season. Last year he had a scorers mentality, but now he's passing up open looks for highly contested midrange shots off the dribble, forced attempts at the rim, or turning the ball over (17 assists, 31 turnovers). He needs a lot of work, who is developing him on our staff?

Reynolds hasn't played much at all, tough luck for him that a four-year starter transferred in to UCF that plays his same position. I get that it's hard to get in a rhythm in limited minutes, but that relates more to guards and perimeter players. Big men should be just as productive, even in limited minutes. Accounting for his limited time on the floor, his per/40 minutes last year (freshmen season) compared to this year are still noticeably different. His offensive, defensive, and total rebounding percentages have gone down this season, as has his rebounds per/40 (from 9.1 to 8.1).

I don't know, I'm just pretty concerned about the development of our guys as they progress (or lack thereof) through the years in the UCF program. Who on this current roster (Perry, Green, Mahan, Adams, Fuller Jr., Walker, Reynolds) has actually gotten steadily better? CJ Walker has improved, I see some new wrinkles to his game this season, but that's really it. I'm not including Diong, Johnson, or Freeman, because it's their first year in the program. And Tony Johnson Jr., who was a really nice get as a recruit, isn't even with the team anymore??

Call me officially concerned about the future of UCF basketball.

DG The Signature

Good for him.


20220318_155514~2.jpg
  • Haha
Reactions: Robert0122

USF Men's Basketball makes NCAA tourny

The University of San Francisco Dons made it through Selection Sunday and into the brackets.It's USF's first NCAA bid since 1998.

Coach Todd Golden has led a quick turnaround at San Francisco, putting the Dons on the cusp of their first NCAA Tournament since 1998 in his third season. San Francisco is No. 24 in the NCAA's NET rankings and is one of the nation's best 3-point shooting teams, led by the sharp-shooting Jamaree Bouyea.

Gene Deckerhoff, voice of TB Bucs and FSU football, is retiring

I can’t say I’ve ever listened to FSU game on the radio, but I have enjoyed him as the Bucs voice for years.




***Ocoee DB Zachary Tobe lands UCF offer on visit***

ra4gmpkzsr2cm16m8rye


Ocoee (Fla.) defensive back Zachary Tobe won't be able to attend UCF's Hometown Hero event next weekend, so the coaches invited him to visit campus Sunday. He left with an offer in hand.

"Next week I was already scheduled to visit Iowa State on the 29th, so Coach Addison Williams asked to see if I could come over today," Tobe said. "We actually just got back this morning from Tennessee. I went to a couple games, but this was my first time going into the athletic department facilities. I got a tour of everything. I got to meet Coach (David) Gibbs and I got to see Coach (Kenny) Martin again. I had a conversation with the defensive coordinator, Travis Williams, for a little bit. Then at the end we did a little photo shoot."

Offers have come in so far from Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, FAU, Iowa State, South Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Nebraska, Purdue and Cincinnati. UCF is now joining that list.

"At the end of the visit, me and my dad were meeting with Coach Addison and Coach Gibbs in the defensive meeting room, and that's when they said I had an offer," Tobe said. "They were talking about how they wanted to get to know me more. They said I looked good on film, but it's more than that. They wanted to see how I was as a person. That's why they waited so long. They wanted to make sure I fit the UCF brand. I couldn't stop smiling."

The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder could play anywhere in the secondary.

"The coaches said they would teach me to play all three, corner, nickel and safety," Tobe said.

As a junior, Tobe had 31 tackles and two interceptions.

"Most people expect taller DBs to be stiff, but I can move well," Tobe said. "I can cover and tackle. I can do everything a DB is supposed to do."

What stands out about UCF?

"I love that it's close to home," Tobe said. "That's real big for me. I've been to Power Five schools, and I know UCF is a Power Five school now, but their facilities are just as good. They're definitely up to par. I really like the culture. Everybody is like a big family over there."

Tobe said he's wide open among all the schools recruiting him. No favorites yet.

"The big thing for me is relationship with the coaches," Tobe said. "Of course I want to fit into the defense, but it's really about the relationships I build. I want coaches that will do what's best for me besides the football part of it."

Login to view embedded media Login to view embedded media Login to view embedded media

Sons of UCF LIVE Show #60: Football Spring Camp/Hoops Wrap with BJ Taylor/Breaking UCF Baseball News with Stephen Branca

Jam packed Sons of UCF LIVE Show #60: Off the top, we're talking Quarterbacks and UCF Football Spring Camp. Then Sons LIVE standout and MBB legend BJ Taylor talks Women's Hoops in the NCAA Tournament and we wrap up the Men's Basketball season. Finally, former Knight Stephen Branca breaks some pitching news before UCF's weekend series.

Click here to watch and thanks!

***UCF OL Sam Jackson learning a new position this spring 🏈***

Login to view embedded media

Sam Jackson has always prided himself on his versatility. A starting tackle who's also moonlighted as a guard, the sixth-year center is adding center to his repertoire this spring.

Jackson isn't expecting to take over Matt Lee's role but with limited depth and no clear backup at that position, he wants to be ready just in case.

Here's a recap of everything Jackson had to say on Thursday following UCF's second day of spring practice:

How was the second day?

"It feels good to get back out there," Jackson said. "As a guy who's been through it, you know what to expect. The first two days is trying to get acclimated. We'll see where we're at on Saturday."

UCF added an experienced tackle transfer in January, Ryan Swoboda formerly of Virginia.

"I think he's a good addition to our team," Jackson said. "I think he's gonna have a really good shot of competing for a spot. He's a really athletic dude for how tall he is. He uses his length very well. I'm excited to see what he does. You really find out who a person is once you put pads on. Saturday should be good."

With Cole Schneider moving on, Adrian Medley is vying to be next man up at guard.

"Cole is a dude. He was a really good player and he's gonna do really good things in the NFL. Looking forward to seeing him play. As you said, Medley is in this position right now and all the coaches want to see him step up. I think he's done a really good job. He's making the strides he needs to do. He's maturing, realizing the position he's in. He's taking a hold of it. Hopefully he runs away with it."

Asked about other players he'd like to see step, Jackson is rooting for Paul Rubelt.

"I really like how I see Paul Rubelt playing.. He's making strides. Getting him on the field would be a huge plus for us."

Who are the defensive linemen he clashes with in practice?

"When I'm playing tackle, I see Josh Celiscar mostly," Jackson said. "He's doing a phenomenal job. He's definitely gotten stronger over the offseason. I can definitely tell that. He's keying in on the little things. And when I'm playing center, by the way I am playing center, Ricky (Barber), (Anthony) Montalvo, Lee Hunter. All great guys. I enjoy seeing good depth of d-linemen because they're good across the board."

Jackson elaborated on learning the center position.

"(Coach Hand) wants me as an emergency center right now. We only have 13 offensive linemen (in spring). To get three groups going, you need guys rotating in. Coach Hand talked to me about it. It will be good for me in the future, just being versatile knowing I can play center if need be."

He's leaning on Matt Lee to help him along.

"When he was younger, I was always helping him out. Now I'm playing a new position and going to him if I have a question, what would he do. He's selfless as he always is. He's just a great leader and a great guy."

What's the biggest goal this season for the offensive line?

"We've just got to be a consistently physical offensive line," Jackson said. "We all talked about it as a unit. When we played Florida, I felt that was our most physical game. We need to carry that across the season. The offense doesn't move without the offensive line. Setting the tone early. Being those guys the team can rely on when needed. That's just something that as a group, it's a goal we want to do."

What differences has he seen in quarterback Mikey Keene heading into his sophomore season with a lot of starts under his belt?

"He's just comfortable. You see it. Like we said last year, you're 18 and you come in, it's an uncomfortable feeling leading an offense in Division I football. Coming into the spring, you can tell he's comfortable and ready to get back out there and work on what he needs to work on. It's cool to see."

And what's the early outlook for freshman quarterback Thomas Castellanos?

"He's a playmaker," Jackson said. "He does a really good job. I think his coach will tell you, he's in the playbook and trying to take in as much as he can. When he has the ball in his hands, he makes something happen. It's really good. It's going to push all the quarterbacks to be better. It's going to be a good competition."

Ole Miss transfer John Rhys Plumlee?

"He's always smiling. He always has that positive energy about him that he brings. It boosts everyone up. Just like the other quarterbacks, he's a guy that's experienced. He's coming in and has that veteran leadership to help out in the room that's full of younger guys. It's everything. I can't say enough about how much of a great attitude he always has."

Jackson has enjoyed getting to know and learning from offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, who joined the staff in late December.

"He's an awesome dude. I love Coach Lindsey. I did some recruiting trips with him where we went out when I was hosting. I got to know him. He's a great dude. He's really a down-to-earth kind of guy. Someone anybody can talk to. He has a lot of knowledge of the game. Especially being a previous head coach, he just brings a whole new perspective. You can learn a lot from him."

I asked about the highlight of Thursday's practice. Jackson said somebody made a great catch, but was so locked in he didn't register who it was.

"On the offensive line, everything is right here. Not a lot I'm able to see. I think one of our receivers made a spectacular catch. I can't remember who the number was. Whenever I'm going, I'm like right here and I'm on to the next play."

Last year spring was mostly getting to know the coaching staff and vice versa. What's the overall theme of the second spring under Gus Malzahn?

"Malzahn told us it's development and competition," Jackson said. "They brought in a lot of guys from the transfer portal and you've got to compete for your position. At the same time, you need to develop every practice. Last year they had to rush through things. You've got to install a new playbook. Now it's all about developing what you need to do. The little things. That's the emphasis they've put on it."

What's Gus like going into year two?

"He's consistent. He's the same guy. He brings the juice every practice. Making sure he's holding us to a high standard. He's demanding the best from you. I like that. He doesn't change. It's good to have a coach you know what to expect every day."
ADVERTISEMENT

Filter

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT